The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) thru the efforts of DoTr secretary Arthur Tugade provided a FREE SEAMAN’S BOOK application for first time seafarers.
Aside from that, regular mariners are entitled for a 50% discount whenever they renew their seaman’s book until December of this year.
On January 24, 2022, the MARINA Board approved this move to help maritime graduates and the whole seafaring workforce to lessen their expenses during the pandemic.
Secretary Arthur Tugade proudly presented this news to President Rodrigo Duterte and to the Filipino people during a live discussion of recent development in the country.
A single seaman’s book or Seaman’s Record Book (SRB) costs between Php 1,000 for new online application and Php 1,800 for onsite. The same amount applies to renewal for regular and expedite processes.
Last 2020, the government enacted Republic Act No. 11261 or “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act”.
This legislation exempts first time jobseekers from paying fees for certain documents.
MARINA pushed it a little further when they offered free Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for SDSD and BT (Seafarers with Designated Security Duties and Basic Training).
May the winds be in your favor
